Scripture: Matthew 18:1-4
Journal: What does it mean for you to become like a little child?
Reflection:
So let me see if I’ve got this straight, Jesus
tells the guys he is grooming to be the leaders of the church after he is gone,
the guys who are currently arguing over who is going to be greatest in that
kingdom, the guys that seem most concerned with power and position and
privilege, that they must “become like little children” in order to even enter
the kingdom of heaven, much less lead others in that direction. Is that right?
That must mean that
spiritual leadership is much different than what we typically think it is. Spiritual leadership is not about making
things happen, but about making space so that they can. It is not about control and direction, but
about service and sacrifice. It is not
about position and prestige, but about and cooperation and community. It is not about taking up all of the space,
but making space for others to express their gift and talents and abilities. At its core, spiritual leadership actually involves
taking off the hat of expert or guru, in order to simply sit with people in
wonder and laughter and holy curiosity, as we consider what God is up to. It does not mean predetermining who people
need to be or how things need to go or what things have to look like. It does not mean manipulating, judging, or
fixing. It simply means being open to
God…together. That is true spiritual
leadership.
Prayer
Closing
Prayer: My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not
haughty. I do not concern myself with
great matters or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its
mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now
and forevermore. (Psalm 131:1-3)
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